Walking through the boot anyone can recognize the incredible excellence ofItalian craftsmanship. For example, if you want to indicate some of them, the pottery di Vietri or Murano glass. But the quality of "Made in Italy" extends into several areas. Indeed, it also reaches that of music. There liuteria it affirms itself in Italy thanks to the ability and talents of some artists who dedicated their lives to this noble art. among all, it is imperative to recognize the importance and skill of Antonio Stradivari.
The image of a craftsman: Antonio Stradivari
Most likely born in Cremona around 1644, Antonio Stradivari made his life a work of art. According to some rumors, however, the parents fled the city Lombard. After a childhood spent in some nearby village, he practiced the trade of carpenter. Finally, after understanding the fascinating world of violin making, he began to follow his true calling.
The musician Gaetano Pugnani describes him as a thin and tall man who wore a hat in both winter and summer. Obviously, his work required a certain type of clothing, which he never varied: a white leather apron over the clothes. Undoubtedly, this gives an idea of the dedication he put into his work. He was tireless and passionate.
The discovery of his incredible talent
In the carpenter's shop where he worked, Antonio Stradivari was able to approach the world of violins. In fact, his supervisor advised the luthier Nicola Amati to choose Stradivari to take care of the decoration of some instruments. Nicola Amati's family had always been involved in the construction of elegant violins. The Amati family also founded a school to pass on the passion for the craftsmanship of musical instruments to subsequent generations. The choice to rely on Stradivari turned out to be excellent.
Antonio Stradivari was able to demonstrate his skill, surprising his teacher Nicola Amati day after day. Over the years he managed to experiment with the art of violin making, drawing on the teachings of the master and refining his work day after day. Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù also studied the construction of violins, becoming an avid competitor. Hard to say who was the best.
The work of a lifetime
Antonio Stradivari, in spite of the data and difficulties of the time, lived up to over 90 years. Back then, the maximum age threshold was thirty-five. He was able to devote himself to improving his instruments to absolute perfection. For example, some instruments preserved today in Cremona are still functional, with a clean and elegant sound. After his death, his sons continued the profession of the famous father but, unfortunately, they did not possess the careful technique of geometric designs and the skill in painting.
Stradivari violins live on! Their sophisticated and pure sound remains in the minds of the listener. Forever.
